High Court pushes for wider adoption of virtual hearings
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has urged advocates to adopt virtual hearings more extensively, while referring to the underutilisation of existing hybrid videoconferencing facilities in its courtrooms.
In a communication to the Bar Association, the High Court asked it to encourage its members to embrace the virtual mode, signalling a step toward a more modernised and accessible judiciary in Punjab and Haryana.
The communication said each courtroom was equipped with a dedicated videoconferencing link, yet the technology remained underused. “The Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, has desired that the advocates be encouraged to adopt virtual mode for appearing in cases fixed before the courts,” the communication, as such, added.
The push aligns with broader efforts by India’s judiciary to integrate technology into its functioning, following the Supreme Court’s initiative to institutionalise virtual hearings nationwide. The apex court has all along been emphasising the importance of such measures in reducing pendency, costs, and improving access to justice. It has, rather, been calling attention to the benefits of a permanent hybrid hearing model, while referring to its cost-effectiveness and ability to address geographical barriers for litigants and lawyers alike.
Globally, countries like the UK, Canada, and Singapore have effectively integrated virtual hearings into their judicial systems. Information available suggests, Singapore operates “Smart Courts” to streamline digital trials, while the UK has expanded online courts for civil and criminal cases.
In India, virtual courts have already seen success in handling traffic violation cases. Virtual hearings, in fact, gained traction during the Covid-19 pandemic, with several courts across India embracing digital platforms to avoid disruptions. But concerns regarding limited adoption post-pandemic have surfaced nationwide. Reports suggest that many advocates and stakeholders prefer in-person hearings, citing connectivity issues and the challenges of presenting arguments virtually.
Before parting with the communication, the High Court added: “You are, therefore, requested to kindly bring this communication to the notice of all advocates, lawyers and stakeholders, and impress upon them to use the facility of virtual hearing more extensively.” The initiative is significant as it could serve as a significant milestone in addressing case backlogs and enhancing efficiency in the judicial process.
